Tag Archive for: IV

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BH May 22 nd – 26th, 2014 Update

May 22nd

We got Kiana ‘s blood work back and there are a few concerns that we will working on. She had a much better night last night. She slept quite a bit. She was bright eyed and munching on milk pellets this morning. After breakfast I introduced her to Harvey. He’s the calmest of the little ones. They are doing just fine so far.

 

So far all is well!

 

Although, I’m not sure Kiana appreciates Harvey hogging the fan.

 

Kiana, Betsy Rose, and Harvey are all happy. Betsy Rose will help teach Kiana to be a horse while Kiana can have Harvey to explore and pal with around the barn. She’s not strong enough to want to play yet. And Harvey needed and deserved his… play time – that’s why I turned him back out with the boys. Kiana is learning that Betsy Rose will not go away and, with that, it will bring her some security which she really needs right now. Herd dynamics really amazes me – I enjoy watching them so much. Kiana will meet other friends too at the right times but I chose Harvey for today because is the most calm of all of the little ones – his disposition was right for starts and it really did work out great today.

 

May 23rd

Dr Julia is here to run an IV cocktail of vitamins, etc. to Kiana. She is not feeling well and her temperature has been slowly dropping. Babies can crash so fast. I’m sure she will be fine but please keep her in your prayers.

 

I need to make this update short – it’s been a long day. Thank all of you for keeping Kiana in your prayers. She’s better tonight. The fluids/cocktail she got today really helped. Someone had asked about her IGG – it was good (900+). T…here are some concerns from her initial blood work – some highs and lows. We’ll repeat the blood work next week – sooner if needed. Babies can crash pretty fast but we’re on it. She’s got a couple of nasty bite marks and swellings that need to heal. But I think she finally understands she is safe – she’ll never know hunger or feel worry of the unknown again. Her eyes are brighter tonight. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

The extremely high temps today didn’t help any of us. The ceiling fans in all 4 stalls that we use daily are all broken and need to be replaced – over a couple week period some blades literally broke and flew off the fans but fortunately horses were not in the stalls when it happened. And it’s hot – very hot. So, that will be an upcoming project. We do have fans on the stall doors though and 2 Port-A-Coolers that are awesome. We hope to get 2 more coolers – one for each stall.

We’re having another big day here tomorrow so we’re going to be lights out soon. Have a good night everyone!

 

May 24th

Kiana came from a very bad situation. Her momma gave the filly her all – until she had no more to give – and then she died. It’s very sad. The latest foal to join Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, …this little girl is going to make it – she will.

 

©2014, Gregory R Ambrose, based on a photo provided.

The morning meeters and greeters! LOL I usually find them laying at the bottom of the porch stairs. It’s going to be a very busy day here and it’s already horribly hot. Kiana had a calm night, thankfully. She slept so soundly, she needed it.

A little angel….

 

The vet was called this morning as Kiana simply was not feeling well. She is very weak and she easily gets dehydrated. She now has a permanent catheter so we will be running her fluids throughout the day and night. The vet ran additional bloodwork which will determine whether Kiana will also require plasma.

 

Quick update – Kiana’s blood work indicated her WBC had increased. She received plasma and is now on antibiotics. She has a pretty ugly bite wound on her left side (and a couple small ones on her neck) from another mare she tried to nurse… on before coming here. We’re trying to keep it clean and we are treating it – infection is the last thing she needs. She wanted to go out with Betsy Rose for a bit so she did. Then she drank a good amount of milk and is now napping. We have had foals in worse condition than this that are living very happy lives but each and everyone is different, as are their experiences before coming to us. Kiana’s eyes are brighter than I’ve ever seen them. I’m staying positive – we do have a very good professional team to help us get through this. I’ll update again later – lots to do. Thanks everyone – we do appreciate the good thoughts and prayers very much.

 

The temps are a bit kinder now.

 

“Baby Kiana is doing better tonight – she’s got quite the appetite! She’s been through some tough times and this morning she wasn’t feeling so very good. But she’s a brave little girl and was good for the doctor. Mommy Theresa says she m…ust be feeling better because she squirmed a bit when she had to take her medicine tonight. Kiana is tucked in but doesn’t want to go to sleep – I’m going to tell her a few stories and I bet she’s out like a light! She stayed outside with me most of the afternoon. We had SO many visitors today – it was amazing! I hope all of those wonderful humans come back again soon! Have a good night everyone! And no worries – I have Kiana right next door to me and she knows it. She peeks at me and talks to me through the slits in the wall.”

 

May 25th

It’s a scorcher already. Kiana had her meds and milk and is now napping. It was a long night for us humans.

 

We hope everyone had a great day. I intended on putting out a detailed update tonight but I’m beat. Kiana had a pretty good day today. The heat was not kind to any of us. We had a good rain storm which, IMO, made it worse due to the humidity. We have volunteers tomorrow morning so I hope to be able to make time to work in the office for a bit. Have a good night everyone!

 

May 26th, Memorial Day

Our daughter, Katie, was home all weekend which was really nice. We missed our son, Joshua, though.

CaryLou still thinks he’s “all that” and he is! LOL

What do the boys like to do after getting breakfast? Oh how I wish I could curl up with them! Sleep is good!!!

Sylvie visits with Magic at the end of the day.

Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day!

 

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.

 

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Herd Rescue Effort & Updates on Many

February 7th, 2014

I spent part of the day yesterday with AC discussing the case involving Serenity, Bryce, Persuasion, and Dodger. There were six other horses remaining at the same farm – I met AC there and ended up bringing the two worst remaining mares here (very depressed, tummy ache, very emaciated) and the other four horses were taken by AC but will be available for adoption in a couple of weeks. AC determined the horses were abandoned.

I know the look Bryce had when he was experiencing painful sand colic – these two mares wore the same look. I was so worried about them – we just had to help them. Dr. Julia vetted them both as soon as I got them to the rescue. They are in about the same shape that Bryce and Serenity were in when they arrived.  I named the older Mahogany and the younger, Eliza.  Mahogany is Eliza’s mom – they seem quite close.  Like Bryce, both have a lot of sand in their poop which is not good.  Bryce is still dealing with sand colic and parasites – he’s been having quite a time but is slowly improving.  Mahogany’s temp was pretty low (95.5).  Both had tummy aches and looked so depressed.  We are awaiting the results of their blood work.  I’m sorry the photos are not great – the weather was lousy.  I want to thank everyone who made it possible for us to get another used truck – it’s saved many lives in the short time we’ve had it.

I feel badly for the entire herd but at least they are all safe now. If anyone would like to help these two mares, it would be a blessing. We brought them in with a lot of faith that help would come. If you would like to donate to help them, please mark your donation for “The 2 Mares”. They both need sponsors.

Eliza was working through some tummy discomfort last evening. I’ve been worried about this herd and am so glad they are all now safe. It’s frustrating at times, to have to follow the “rules” but laws, like them or not, are to be respected.

This is Serenity getting a treatment by Dr. Julia Simonson yesterday. Dr. Julia couldn’t believe how much better Serenity looks. While she was here, we reviewed our refeeding program for each of our new arrivals and Dr. Julia said she is very impressed with our progress with all of them – including Oscar (donkeys are a bit different then horses).

Dr. Julia visited with Bronson to make sure he forgave her for his castration. He’s looking for a home – he’s likely going to be small pony size.

Bryce enjoyed his treatment by Dr. Julia – the photo speaks for itself! He’s got a long way to go. Sand colic can wreak havoc on a body and be deadly. More tests need to be run next week.

Gentleman got a treatment as well – he has a sponsor for one treatment a month and they really make a difference. He is elderly, has high ringbone in his front right, and some issues in his back end. He is of good weight – anymore weight may work against him. He is happy and comfortable. We adore him – he is loved, very much.

Solace is still not doing well. Based on blood tests, symptoms, treatments to date, etc. it is possible he has lymphoma. Please keep him in your prayers. He’s had a good year with us and I hope he has many more. We will do our best to keep him comfortable – quality of life is always important in making decisions for these precious horses.

Oscar is so cute! I was trying to explain to him how much easier it would be for us humans if he could get up on his own. He is staying up longer when he is up though. Time – it will just take some time to build those muscles. Baby steps…

Morgan’s eye is better. There is still some swelling and the lavage is still in – she’s getting meds every four hours now and will be checked again next week.

This is a beautiful blanket that was donated to Betsy Rose several months ago which swallowed her up. It now fits!!! She loves modeling new clothing!

Oscar getting his fluids this morning. Teaching the youth of our today will only help the horses of our tomorrow’s! Roxy is a quick learner!

We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public – we are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or automatic monthly do…nation to help us to help the horses. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, hay, grain, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways to donate – visit our “Donate” page on our website at theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer

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Baby Donkey Down!

February 3, 2014

I was in the city at the doctor’s office this morning when I received a request to help a baby donkey. He was located about 30 miles further north of where I was, but I did my best to get there as fast as I could. It was sort of in the middle of nowhere and I know that getting a vet out in that area can be hard. This little guy is not quite 2 years old and has been unable to get up for a couple of days.

When I got the call I was in our mini van – I had just left the doctor’s office. Once I got to him, it didn’t take long for others to get him in the back.  I truly felt there wasn’t enough time for me to go all the way back to the rescue for the trailer.  I prayed he would hang on – the vet would be waiting for us at the rescue.   Prayers were answered.

Dr. Madera was waiting for us at the rescue. He greeted her with those darling long ears.

It didn’t take long to get him out – he was a really good boy for the hour long trip. I sang and talked to him all the way to the rescue. I have to wonder what he thought. He was likely very glad when I finally shut up!

It made me feel a lot better to have him out of the car. And I was so glad Dr. Madera was already here. The little one is pretty thin and very, very weak.

After Dr. Madera examined him, we gently rolled him over and into the sling. He was like a rag doll.  But I think he knew we were helping him.

He never complained and never tried to get up. He moved his front legs a little but not the back legs. Not knowing what caused his condition, that was reason for concern.

Once he was in the sling, we positioned the gantry. Still no movement in the back legs.

Once the sling was hooked up to the gantry, Bob started to raise the sling. The baby got his front legs under him but didn’t even try to get his back legs under him – he just hung there in the backend.

We gave him a little time – when the body has been down for awhile, things start to go to “sleep”. It took a couple of minutes and a little massaging and encouraging, but he finally got it.

Seeing him try to move his legs under him really made us feel good. We didn’t know if there had been any spinal cord/nerve damage.

We offered him some forage while an IV fluid concoction was run – he was very dehydrated. He stood with the sling supporting him. When the gantry was rolled into the paddock, he tried to walk so we let it down some – he did carry his own weight for a couple of steps!

After giving him some time to rest, he looked like he was interested in the grass. He was holding his own weight. So, we said a prayer and removed the sling/gantry.

He was still weak but he grazed, drank water, urinated, and went poop.  I want to thank the family who owned him for reaching out for help and then for letting him go. Life can be challenging at times and unexpected things happen. I am a believer that God puts people in our paths just when we need them at times. I am glad we are able to help.

He is still too weak to get up on his own if he goes down so he will be staying in the sling tonight. Prayers for this baby are very much appreciated. We hope it’s a very calm night.

If anyone would like to help with the baby’s expenses it would sure be appreciated. No amount is too small. Donations can be made via our website at www.bhfer.org. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Theresa

Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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Solace Today

January 11th, 2013

Solace’s blood work is slightly better!!  He is no worse and that is what we were praying for today. Thank you God!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org  Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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Solace and Beauty Update

January 3rd, 2013

It was a cold and wet day today.  The morning was going ok until Beauty got to feeling bad.  I had just gone to the office when Marie called me and said Beauty was down and acting strange.  I got back to the barn right away and she appeared to be colicing.  She’s got ouchy front feet right now and that wasn’t helping.  So she had a double whammy.  I called Dr. Ryan – he was coming out anyway to examine the new arrivals and Solace and to do a coggins on Dora (she will be leaving for her new home in a couple of weeks).  Bob and I got Beauty up and into the barn and Dr. Ryan arrived shortly after.  Dr. Ryan examined her and she was a bit gassy.  After some meds set in she was better.  She had me really worried.  She’s never coliced before.

Solace was also examined and ultrasounded today.  His lungs are scared for life but he is doing remarkably well.  He didn’t get this way overnight and I will never understand how anyone can see a horse in this condition and turn their head and do nothing.  This is basically what Ambrosia went through only she didn’t make it to us in time. She runs with the Heavenly Herd.  Hopefully Solace will be with us for a long time to come.  His IV cath is being pulled tomorrow and his antibiotics are being changed.  Just look at the look on his face – bright eyes and always alert and interested in everything going on around him.  He has gained a little weight but being sick hasn’t helped.  He’s really an amazing horse with a huge, and I mean huge, love for life.  He’s tucked in his stall for the night in his warm fleece and he’s eating a warm mash.  Solace is being started on Prasend (Pergolide) which he will likely be on for the rest of his life (cost of about $115/month).  If anyone would like to help with this expense I’m sure he would appreciate it (we would too).  He’s also being started on EquiPride.

Thank you all for your continued support – please keep the prayers flowing.  We will be coming up with some items to auction on Facebook to help raise money for another 2 tons of hay and to help with vetting and related needs.  With the weather as it is we are going through more hay than we’d like to be but it is what it is.  God bless and have a wonderful night everyone.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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Solace – He Has Found It Here

December 16th, 2012

This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death.  He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation.  He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money.  When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is.  By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning.  Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have.  I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is.  Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.  

There are pictures below that some may consider graphic.  If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down.  But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly.  It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us.  You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used.  He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.  

Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale.  Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive.  This says something about his will to survive.  His stool is full of sand and he has little energy.  He was very cooperative with when he was oiled.  Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure.  His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady.  Too much, too soon, could kill him.  He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.

At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line.  Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged.  His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.

His temperature was low normal.  Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.

When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs.  We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.

He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV.  He was a perfect patient and seems content being here.  I think he knows we care.  🙂

As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help.  Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.  

I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps.  One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace.  If many people do this it will all add up.  If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.

We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering.  I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did.  But again, we need your help.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.

His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through.  His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us.  Most others would euthanize him.  But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes.  Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him.  Will he recover?  We choose to believe he will.  Please keep Solace in your prayers.  

Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers.  They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet.  God bless and I’ll update more when I can.  Thank you all for your support.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://bhfer.org   Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

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New Star in the Sky Tonight and Orphan Baby Donkey – 05/22/12

05/22/12

It is with a very, very heavy heart that I post this update. Smarty Pants crossed Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She had been improving, or so we thought. We knew she could take a turn for the worse at any given time. Infection and damage to internal organs had been a concern since day one. While edema in her front legs today had decreased it became significantly worse elsewhere. Dr. Ryan examined her, gave us his prognosis, and ran more blood work to confirm what he suspected and it wasn’t good. Verbatim from Dr. Ryan. “Her body was shutting down – resulting in poor tissue perfusion (blood supply to the muscles). All of this caused tissue necrosis – basically like gangrene. She may have lasted another day or two but it would have been pure hell. No doubt you made the right decision.”

While she surprised us with a short walk on her own in the sling today (with us humans by her) we didn’t know it would be her last. You can see in her eyes she wasn’t feeling well. We would not allow her to suffer – we promised her this from the start.

This little filly that captured so many hearts would have been one year old tomorrow. It just isn’t fair – I don’t know why things like this happen. I don’t understand it. I could go on and on with my thoughts about this but I won’t – at least not at this time. Today has been hell and mentally and emotionally overwhelming. And I’m not feeling the loss alone. My family, including our volunteers, feel it too – we all loved her terribly. We took turns sitting with her and caring for her – even through the nights. We love you Smarty Pants – you mattered to so many but we loved you enough to let you go. We will always love you. Now you fly with angel wings – until we meet again on the other side of The Bridge – know you are in our hearts, always.

And with tears still fresh we welcomed baby donkey. She was very hungry when she arrived and didn’t hesitate taking a bottle. Lacey has been providing some milk and we have milk replacer – the baby will isn’t picky and will drink either source.

Dr. Ryan had a very hard time getting the catheter into her vein in order to run the plasma.

She is currently sleeping – something she needed badly.

She’s had a tough start in life but like Smarty Pants she arrived with light in her eyes that we pray will shine brighter with each passing day. When Pam went to pick her up she found her standing between two pine trees, shaking – we were having a really bad storm. Her mom was off elsewhere. I wonder what this little one thought? But she is here now and she will have a full tummy all night long and she won’t be alone.

And tomorrow is another day. I don’t know what it has in store for us but there is already a void – Smarty Pants had become a part of all of us. We did everything we could to help her and she knows she was loved. She didn’t die in the sand and sun – alone or afraid. She was surrounded by love. While I will never stop believing in miracles and had prayed hard for one with Smarty – I have to think God had other plans for her and we are not to question that but rather accept it. Yes, she would have been one year old tomorrow – a day that won’t come for her on this earth. Each day we had with her was a gift – a blessing. And when I look up to the sky tonight and see a bright shining star I will think of her – I know she knows she is loved. And even though she runs with the heavenly herd she is still with us. She will always be with us. God bless all of you for caring about this little girl – our little Smarty Pants.

Run with the angels sweet girl – we are so very proud of you and how hard you fought for life. You are, and always be, an inspiration to me and your eyes are etched into my heart forever.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

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